DNREC issues penalties against Delaware City Refinery

The state's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control wants the Delaware City Refinery to pay up for a number of air-quality violations it claims the oil refinery recently committed.

The nearly half a million dollars in penalties are for alleged violations of the state statute, federal air quality regulations, and the refinery’s air permit. The state also wants the refinery to reimburse them $69,000 for the investigation of the violations.

The violations began accumulating when the refinery, owned by PBF Energy, re-opened in 2011 and stretch through January 2013.

“The refinery has made significant improvements to reduce emissions compared to previous owners,” DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara said in a statement. “However, when unpermitted releases occur, the company must be held accountable and encouraged to take proactive steps to avoid future incidents.”

Michael Karlovich, vice president of corporate communications for PBF Energy said the refinery still needs to analyze the notice they received from DNREC.

"After a thorough review, we will provide a response to the agency," he said in a statement.

The refinery has 30 days to request a public hearing on the violations.

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